Finance
#LagosFintechWeek: Why financial inclusion is hard to achieve – Okeremi


BY: justice Godfry
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in October 23, 2012 launched the Nigerian National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS).
The aim was to reduce the percentage of adult Nigerians who do not have access to financial services from 46.3 per cent in 2010 to 20 per cent in 2020.
In addition, the strategy stipulates that 70 per cent of those to be included in the financial system by 2020 should be in the formal sector.
But, in the 2017 Annual Report on Nigerian National Financial Inclusion Strategy Implementation, the apex bank recognised that “The year, 2017 witnessed increasingly sustained efforts of stakeholders to accelerate progress towards the 20% exclusion rate by the year 2020.
“Against the background of on exclusion rate of 41.6 percent in 2016 as per the survey results of the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) Access to Finance Survey in Nigeria in 2016, the need to double efforts has become apparent. The Central Bank of Nigeria and indeed all the implementing stakeholders demonstrated strong commitment to innovate new ways of increasing the speed towards the 2020 target”.
In other words, the strategy is likely not to be achieved if critical steps are not taken to address certain issues that have bedevilled the financial inclusion efforts.
The Nigeria Bankers’ Committee; National Association of Microfinance Banks; Nigeria Insurers Association; Bank of Industry as service providers have looked up to National Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC); Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST); Pension Commission (PenCom), the Central Bank of Nigeria, etc., as the enablers to assist in bringing the millions of the financially excluded Nigerians to the ecosystem.
But while speaking to TechEconomy.ng at the recent Lagos Fintech Week, the Chairman, Dr. Yele Okeremi, suggested that technology should not be blamed for the inability of the stakeholders to bring the people on board.
He believes that the most prerequisite to financial inclusion is financial capacitation.
“For someone that does not have financial capacity what are you going to include? Therefore, we need to ensure that people are enabled to participate financially.
“We have lots of people living below $2 per day. So, who are you including? It is really a waste of time to shout about financial inclusion (FI) when there is no financial empowerment (FM). When FM happens then we begin to look at how to ‘include’ to in the ecosystem”, Dr. Okeremi said.
Dr. Okeremi also spoke on the preparedness of Nigeria to play in the Open Banking space:
“Well, security concerns are everywhere, but if you take a look at how open banking is supposed to be practiced: the kind of security concerns that people talk about don’t really exist. For example, people who are afraid of giving out their credentials; that is not what open banking is looking at rather they give concepts to be able to access data.
“The most important thing about open banking is called parameterisation. So, proper parameters are run between the public and the ultimate data. There could be breaches that happen from time to time, but that is not sufficient reason to say that Nigeria is not ripe for it. Open Banking has come to stay”.
Nodding in agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of Open Vector Limited, Carlos Figueredo, said that operators in the open banking ecosystem are working hard to ensure hitch-free operations.
“Anything financially based would always attract the attention of the cyber attackers. But the greatest risk revolves around lack of education.
“If you are completely educated on how to do what you do, things are going to be a lot easier and protected. To give you an example, in the way we use our passwords for banking, if you are not educated on how to do it, you put yourself in risk, because you share your information. But if you can protect your password, it is also applicable to the open banking system,” he added.
On regulations that need to be in place to drive the ecosystem, he suggested that regulations that are solid enough to protect the consumer must not be neglected.
He further said that the consumer deserves the right to make choices while using third-party or payment providers’ platforms.
Meanwhile, Dr. Okeremi x-rayed the significances of Lagos Fintech Week, he said, “The significances of the Lagos Fintech Week is to celebrate what we have; to make networking possible. People are doing different things; are there possible bridges. It is also a time for us to come, learn and share ideas.
“People need to know about Fintech. Again, publicity is never enough. We want to say to people ‘hang-on, there are many things we are better on and others we aspire to be’. Yes, we have a lot of rooms for improvements but let’s look at the beautiful things we have done and be able to celebrate them.
“We have the competencies or/and capacity and almost can guarantee that the opportunities are there to harness”.
Source: TechEconomy.ng
Finance
Flutterwave Powers Local Businesses in Ghana Through Pay With Bank Transfer
Reporter: Ikenna Ugwu


Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company in Africa, has broadened its reach in Ghana through the integration of Pay With Bank Transfer, done in partnership with Affinity Bank.
With over 115 million bank transfer payments recorded in Ghana in 2023, this move will ensure that Flutterwave businesses in Ghana can now receive payments seamlessly and securely through a rapidly growing payment method. While Mobile Money leads as the preferred payment type for everyday transactions in Ghana, the recent growth in transactions for Pay With Bank Transfer symbolizes the expanding payment options available for Ghanaian businesses.
Flutterwave has a track record of driving innovation in the African finance ecosystem, and this new development promises versatility, thereby expanding the pool of customers available to businesses. As a preferred payment method, it also promises faster payments while providing access to a more secure process of transacting which benefits both the sender and the receiver (business).
“We are excited to extend our services to the Ghanaian market” says Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave Founder & CEO“At Flutterwave, we are driven by the vision of building Africa’s economy. By making payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer available for everyday use, we are expanding access to payments and enabling local businesses to thrive in the economy”
By establishing this strategic partnership, Flutterwave aims to drive the adoption of the Pay With Bank Transfer option in Ghana, using virtual accounts to allow for secure and transparent payments. This will provide enterprises and small businesses with a simpler way to receive payments and give their customers a seamless process of making payments.
Geoffrey Fiador, Manager, Country Operations and Partnerships, at Flutterwave stated: “By delivering essential payment options like Pay With Bank Transfer for businesses in Ghana, we’re providing an easy way for them to increase their revenue opportunities to grow their businesses. ”
This announcement comes at the heels of Flutterwave’s recent approval by the Bank of Ghana to provide inward remittance services. With a track record of success across Africa, Flutterwave continues to be a trusted partner for businesses in over 34 countries, providing the tools and expertise necessary for success in the dynamic African market.
Finance
Stanbic IBTC Capital leads Presco PLC’s ₦82.9 Billion Bond Issuance to drive West African market growth
Reporter: SANDRA ANI


Presco PLC (Presco or the “Company”), has achieved a significant milestone with the successful issuance of its ₦82,896,000,000 7-year 23.75% senior unsecured fixed rate Series I Bonds under its ₦150 billion bond issuance programme (the “Transaction”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited (“Stanbic IBTC Capital”) acted as the Lead Issuing House on the Programme.
The proceeds from the Transaction will enable the Company fund its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC), further supporting its strategic expansion objectives.
Speaking on the transaction registration, Mr Reji George, Managing Director / CEO, Presco PLC commented:
“The successful completion of our Series 1 Bond issuance solidifies Presco’s foundation for continued growth and expansion. Aligned with our strategic objectives of increasing our planted area of palm oil and, to lead Africa in the fully integrated edible oil and fats business in the nearest future, the proceeds from this issuance will be primarily directed towards the acquisition of a majority equity stake in the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC).
This not only enhances our operational efficiencies, It also solidifies our market presence and competitive advantage in the palm oil sector beyond Nigeria. Most importantly, this will enable us to better serve our valued customers and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders. We extend our sincere gratitude to Stanbic IBTC Capital and all our advisors for their support throughout this process.”
Also speaking on the transaction registration, Oladele Sotubo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, said:
“Stanbic IBTC Capital is proud to have advised Presco PLC on the successful issuance of its ₦82.9 billion Series 1 bond. As the largest local currency corporate bond issuance in the Nigerian market in recent years, this milestone underscores our deep expertise in capital markets and our commitment to delivering innovative, high-impact financial solutions.
Beyond reinforcing Presco’s strategic growth, this transaction enhances funding diversification within the agricultural sector, driving sustainable industry expansion. We appreciate Presco PLC’s trust in Stanbic IBTC Capital and the consortium of advisors who contributed to the successful execution of this landmark deal.
Finance
Flutterwave Activates American Express Payments for its Merchants in Nigeria


Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced today that its online merchants in Nigeria can now accept American Express payments.
American Express Card Members – with consumer, business, or corporate cards – will be able to make payments directly to e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave in Nigeria.
This service will also be available to Flutterwave merchants in other countries including Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana and Uganda in the near future.
This collaboration facilitates online transactions and offers a range of benefits for both merchants and online shoppers:
- Flutterwave merchants can attract business from a new customer base of American Express Card Members in Africa and around the world. This includes consumers with personal cards and spenders with business or corporate products. Terms and conditions apply.
- For shoppers, there is more choice when it comes to being able to select their preferred method of payment when transacting with Flutterwave merchants. This collaboration strengthens the American Express global network and increases the number of locations across Africa that can be used by American Express Card Members to purchase a range of different goods and services.
Speaking on the development, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO, Flutterwave, said:“At Flutterwave, we’re always looking for ways to connect the world to Africa through payments. This is one of our initiatives to ensure that more people across the world can pay using Flutterwave in Africa. We understand the value of providing shoppers with payment methods that work for them, as well as helping businesses to expand their customer bases. This collaboration also provides more options of where to shop and what to buy to American Express card holders across the globe. By offering American Express as a method of payment, Flutterwave will make the payment process faster and simpler for American Express card holders, and improve the experience for e-commerce businesses using Flutterwave, helping them to start locally and sell globally.”
On his part, Briana Wilsey, Vice President and General Manager of Global Network Services EMEA at American Express, said: “American Express continues to expand in Africa to enable greater payment choice for businesses and consumers. Through the agreement with Flutterwave, a trusted payment provider, we are giving e-commerce merchants in Nigeria the opportunity to reach American Express Card Members around the world. The collaboration is a win-win because it also increases the number of places where our Card Members can use their Cards in Nigeria.”
Flutterwave and American Express share similar visions; to enable businesses across the world to expand their operations in Africa and other emerging markets through a platform that enables local and cross-border transactions via one Application Programming Interface (API).
Flutterwave has processed over 630M transactions in excess of USD $31B, serves global and African customers like Uber, Air Peace, Bamboo, PiggyVest, and across various industries. On the other hand, American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
-
Sports2 days ago
We’re Confident in the Super Eagles – Karl Toriola
-
Spotlight2 days ago
MTN Go MAD Campaign Inspires Aba’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
-
News16 hours ago
NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union
-
GRBusiness2 days ago
Five WhatsApp Business Features Every Small Business Should Be Using